1. 185
FINA SWIMMING RULES
2013 – 2017
1 Management of Competitions..................................................... 186
2 Officials....................................................................................... 186
3 Seeding of Heats, Semi-Finals and Finals................................... 191
4 The Start..................................................................................... 193
5 Freestyle..................................................................................... 193
6 Backstroke.................................................................................. 194
7 Breaststroke................................................................................ 194
8 Butterfly...................................................................................... 195
9 Medley Swimming....................................................................... 195
10 The Race.................................................................................... 195
11 Timing......................................................................................... 197
12 World Records............................................................................ 198
13 Automatic Officiating Procedure.................................................. 201
SWAG Age Group Rules........................................................................ 201
PART III
2. 186
SW 1 MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITIONS
SW 1.1 The Management Committee appointed by the governing body shall have juris-
diction over all matters not assigned by the rules to the referee, judges or other officials
and shall have power to postpone events and give directions consistent with rules adop-
ted for conducting any event.
SW 1.2 At the Olympic Games and World Championships the FINA Bureau shall appoint
the following minimum number of officials for the control of the competitions:
• referee (2)
• control-room supervisor(1)
• judges of stroke (4)
• starters (2)
• chief inspectors of turns (2, 1 at each end of the pool)
• inspectors of turns (1 at each end of each lane)
• chief recorder (1)
• clerks of course (2)
• announcer (1)
SW 1.2.1 For all other international competitions, the governing body shall
appoint the same or fewer number of officials, subject to the approval of the
respective regional or international authority where appropriate.
SW 1.2.2 Where Automatic Officiating Equipment is not available, such equip-
ment must be replaced by chief timekeeper, three (3) timekeepers per lane and
two (2) additional timekeepers.
SW 1.2.3 A chief finish judge and finish judges may be used when Automatic
Equipment and/or three (3) digital watches per lane are not used.
SW 1.3 The swimming pool and the technical equipment for Olympic Games and World
Championships shall be inspected and approved in due course prior to the Swimming
competitions by the FINA Delegate together with a member of the Technical Swimming
Committee.
SW 1.4 Where underwater video equipment is used by television, the equipment must
be operated by remote control and shall not obstruct the vision or path of swimmers
and must not change the configuration of the pool or obscure the required FINA mar-
kings.
SW 2 OFFICIALS
SW 2.1 Referee
SW 2.1.1 The referee shall have full control and authority over all officials,
approve their assignments, and instruct them regarding all special features or
SWIMMING
3. S W I M M I N G
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regulations related to the competitions. He shall enforce all rules and decisions
of FINA and shall decide all questions relating to the actual conduct of the meet,
and event or the competition, the final settlement of which is not otherwise
covered by the rules.
SW 2.1.2 The referee may intervene in the competition at any stage to ensure
that the FINA regulations are observed, and shall adjudicate all protests related
to the competition in progress.
SW 2.1.3 When using finish judges without three (3) digital watches, the referee
shall determine placing where necessary. Automatic Officiating Equipment, if
available and operating shall be consulted as stated in SW 13.
SW 2.1.4 The referee shall ensure that all necessary officials are in their respec-
tive posts for the conduct of the competition. He may appoint substitutes for any
who are absent, incapable of acting or found to be inefficient. He may appoint
additional officials if considered necessary.
SW 2.1.5 At the commencement of each event, the referee shall signal to the
swimmers by a short series of whistles inviting them to remove all clothing
except for swimwear, followed by a long whistle indicating that they should
take their positions on the starting platform (or for backstroke swimming and
medley relays to immediately enter the water). A second long whistle shall bring
the backstroke and medley relay swimmer immediately to the starting position.
When the swimmers and officials are prepared for the start, the referee shall
gesture to the starter with a stretched out arm, indicating that the swimmers
are under the starter’s control. The stretched out arm shall stay in that position
until the start is given.
SW 2.1.6 The referee shall disqualify any swimmer for any violation of the rules
that he personally observes. The referee may also disqualify any swimmer for
any violation reported to him by other authorised officials. All disqualifications are
subject to the decision of the referee.
SW 2.2 Control-room Supervisor
SW 2.2.1 The supervisor shall supervise the automatic timing operation inclu-
ding the review of backup timing cameras.
SW 2.2.2 The supervisor is responsible for checking the results from computer
printouts.
SW 2.2.3 The supervisor is responsible for checking the relay exchange printout
and reporting any early takeoffs to the referee.
SW 2.2.4 The supervisor may review the video used for backup timing to
confirm early takeoff.
SW 2.2.5 The supervisor shall control withdrawals after the heats or finals, enter
results on official forms, list all new records established, and maintain scores
where appropriate.
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SW 2.3 Starter
SW 2.3.1 The starter shall have full control of the swimmers from the time the
referee turns the swimmers over to him (SW 2.1.5) until the race has com-
menced. The start shall be given in accordance with SW 4.
SW 2.3.2 The starter shall report a swimmer to the referee for delaying the start,
for wilfully disobeying an order or for any other misconduct taking place at the
start, but only the referee may disqualify a swimmer for such delay, wilful disobe-
dience or misconduct.
SW 2.3.3 The starter shall have power to decide whether the start is fair, subject
only to the decision of the Referee.
SW 2.3.4 When starting an event, the starter shall stand on the side of the
pool within approximately five metres of the starting edge of the pool where
the timekeepers can see and or hear the starting signal and the swimmers can
hear the signal.
SW 2.4 Clerk of Course
SW 2.4.1 The clerk of course shall assemble swimmers prior to each event.
SW 2.4.2 The clerk of course shall report to the referee any violation noted in
regard to advertising (GR 6) and if a swimmer is not present when called.
SW 2.5 Chief Inspector of Turns
SW 2.5.1 The chief inspector of turns shall ensure that inspectors of turns fulfil
their duties during the competition.
SW 2.5.2 The chief inspector of turns shall receive the reports from the inspec-
tors of turns if any infringement occurs and shall present them to the referee
immediately.
SW 2.6 Inspectors of Turns
SW 2.6.1 One inspector of turns shall be assigned to each lane at each end of
the pool.
SW 2.6.2 Each inspector of turns shall ensure that swimmers comply with
the relevant rules for turning, commencing from the beginning of the last arm
stroke before touching and ending with the completion of the first arm stroke
after turning. The Inspector of Turns at the starting end of the pool, shall ensure
that the swimmers comply with the relevant rules from the start and ending
with completion of the first arm stroke. The inspectors of turns at the finish end
shall also ensure that the swimmers finish their race according to the current
rules.
SW 2.6.3 In individual events of 800 and 1500 metres, each inspector of turns
at the turning end of the pool shall record the number of laps completed by the
swimmer in his lane and keep the swimmer informed of the remaining number
5. S W I M M I N G
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of laps to be completed by displaying «lap cards». Semi-electronic equipment
may be used, including under water display.
SW 2.6.4 Each inspector at the starting end shall give a warning signal when
the swimmer in his lane has two lengths plus five (5) metres to swim to finish in
individual events of 800 and 1500 metres. The signal may be repeated after the
turn until the swimmer has reached the five (5) metres mark on the lane rope.
The warning signal may be by whistle or bell.
SW 2.6.5 Each inspector at the starting end shall determine, in relay events,
whether the starting swimmer is in contact with the starting platform when the
preceding swimmer touches the starting wall. When Automatic Equipment
which judges relay take-offs is available, it shall be used in accordance with
SW 13.1.
SW 2.6.6 Inspectors of turns shall report any violation on signed cards detailing
the event, lane number, and the infringement delivered to the chief inspector of
turns who shall immediately convey the report to the referee.
SW 2.7 Judges of Stroke
SW 2.7.1 Judges of stroke shall be located on each side of the pool.
SW 2.7.2 Each judge of stroke shall ensure that the rules related to the style of
swimming designated for the event are being observed, and shall observe the
turns and the finishes to assist the inspectors of turns.
SW 2.7.3 Judges of stroke shall report any violation to the referee on signed
cards detailing the event, lane number, and the infringement.
SW 2.8 Chief Timekeeper
SW 2.8.1 The chief timekeeper shall assign the seating positions for all
timekeepers and the lanes for which they are responsible. It is advisable that
there shall be three (3) timekeepers for each lane. If Automatic Officiating
Equipment is not used there shall be two (2) additional timekeepers desi-
gnated, either of whom shall be directed to replace a timekeeper whose
watch did not start or stopped during an event, or who for any other reason
is not able to record the time. When using digital watches, final time and place
is determined by time.
SW 2.8.2 When only one (1) timekeeper per lane is available, an extra timekee-
per must be assigned in case of a malfunction of a stopwatch. In addition the
Chief Timekeeper must always record the time of the winner of each heat.
SW 2.8.3 The chief timekeeper shall collect from the timekeepers in each lane
a card showing the times recorded and, if necessary, inspect their watches.
SW 2.8.4 The chief timekeeper shall record or examine the official time on the
card for each lane.
6. S W I M M I N G
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SW 2.9 Timekeepers
SW 2.9.1 Each timekeeper shall take the time of the swimmers in the lane
assigned to him in accordance with SW 11.3. The watches shall be certified
correct to the satisfaction of the meet Management Committee.
SW 2.9.2 Each timekeeper shall start his watch at the starting signal, and shall
stop it when the swimmer in his lane has completed the race. Timekeepers may
be instructed by the chief timekeeper to record times at intermediate distances
in races longer than 100 metres.
SW 2.9.3 Promptly after the race, the timekeepers in each lane shall record the
times of their watches on the card, give them to the chief timekeeper, and if
requested present their watches for inspection. Their watches must be cleared
at the short whistle of the Referee announcing the following race.
SW 2.9.4 Unless a video backup system is used, it may be necessary to use
the full complement of timekeepers even when Automatic Officiating Equipment
is used.
SW 2.10 Chief Finish Judge – if required
SW 2.10.1 The chief finish judge shall assign each finish judge his position and
the placing to be determined.
SW 2.10.2 After the race, the chief finish judge shall collect signed result sheets
from each finish judge and establish the result and placing which will be sent
directly to the referee.
SW 2.10.3 Where Automatic Officiating Equipment is used to judge the finish
of a race, the chief finish judge must report the order of finish recorded by the
Equipment after each race.
SW 2.11 Finish Judges – if required
SW 2.11.1 Finish judges shall be positioned in elevated stands in line with the
finish where they have at all times a clear view of the course and the finish line,
unless they operate an Automatic Officiating device in their respective assigned
lanes by depressing the «push-button» at the completion of the race.
SW 2.11.2 After each event the finish judges shall decide and report the placing
of the swimmers according to the assignments given to them. Finish judges
other than push-button operators shall not act as timekeepers in the same
event.
SW 2.12 Desk Control (other than for Olympic Games and World Championships)
SW 2.12.1 The chief recorder is responsible for checking results from computer
printouts or from results of times and placing in each event received from the
referee. The chief recorder shall witness the referee’s signing the results.
7. S W I M M I N G
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SW 2.12.2 The recorders shall control withdrawals after the heats or finals, enter
results on official forms, list all new records established, and maintain scores
where appropriate.
SW 2.13 Officials’ Decision Making
SW 2.13.1 Officials shall make their decision autonomously and independently of
each other unless otherwise provided in the Swimming Rules.
SW 3 SEEDING OF HEATS, SEMI-FINALS AND FINALS
The starting stations for all events in Olympic Games, World Championships, Regional Games
and other FINA competitions shall be by seeding as follows:
SW 3.1 Heats
SW 3.1.1 The best competitive times of all entrants for the announced qua-
lifying period prior to the entry deadline of the competition shall be submitted
on entry forms or on-line, as requested, and listed in order of time by the
Management Committee. Swimmers who do not submit official recorded
times shall be considered the slowest and shall be placed at the end of the list
with a no time. Placement of swimmers with identical times or of more than
one swimmer without times shall be determined by draw. Swimmers shall
be placed in lanes according to the procedures set forth in SW 3.1.2 below.
Swimmers shall be placed in trial heats according to submitted times in the
following manner.
SW 3.1.1.1 If one heat, it shall be seeded as a final and swum only
during the final session.
SW 3.1.1.2 If two heats, the fastest swimmer shall be seeded in the
second heat, next fastest in the first heat, next fastest in the second
heat, next in the first heat, etc.
SW 3.1.1.3 If three heats, except 400m, 800m and 1500m events,
the fastest swimmer shall be placed in the third heat, next fastest
in the second, next fastest in the first. The fourth fastest swimmer
shall be placed in the third heat, the fifth in the second heat, and
the sixth fastest in the first heat, the seventh fastest in the third
heat, etc.
SW 3.1.1.4 If four or more heats, except 400m, 800m and 1500m
events, the last three heats of the event shall be seeded in accor-
dance with SW 3.1.1.3 above. The heat preceding the last three
heats shall consist of the next fastest swimmers; the heat preceding
the last four heats shall consist of the next fastest swimmers, etc.
Lanes shall be assigned in descend-ing order of submitted times
within each heat, in accordance with the pattern outlined in SW 3.1.2
below.
SW 3.1.1.5 For 400m, 800m and 1500m events, the last two heats
of the event shall be seeded in accordance with SW 3.1.1.2.
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SW 3.1.1.6 Exception: When there are two or more heats in an event,
there shall be a minimum of three swimmers seeded into any one
preliminary heat, but subsequent scratches may reduce the number
of swimmers in such heat to less than three.
SW 3.1.1.7 Where a 10 lane pool is available and equal times are
established for the 8th place in the heats of 800m and 1500m
Freestyle events, lane 9 will be used with a draw for lane 8 and lane
9. In case of three (3) equal times for 8th place, lane 9 and 0 will be
used with a draw for lane 8, 9 and 0.
SW 3.1.1.8 Where a 10 lane pool is not available SW 3.2.3 will apply.
SW 3.1.2 Except for 50 metre events in 50 metre pools, assignment of lanes
shall be (number 1 lane being on the right side of the pool (0 when using
pools with 10 lanes) when facing the course from the starting end) by placing
the fastest swimmer or team in the centre lane in pool with an odd number of
lanes, or in lane 3 or 4 respectively in pools having 6 or 8 lanes. In pools using
10 lanes, the fastest swimmer shall be placed in lane 4. The swimmer having
the next fastest time is to be placed on his left, then alternating the others to
right and left in accordance with the submitted times. Swimmers with identi-
cal times shall be assigned their lane positions by draw within the aforesaid
pattern.
SW 3.1.3 When 50 metre events are contested in 50 metre pools, the races
may be swum, at the discretion of the Management Committee, either from
the regular starting end to the turning end or from the turning end to the
starting end, depending upon such factors as existence of adequate Auto-
matic Equipment, starter’s position, etc. The Management Committee should
advise swimmers of their determination well before the start of the competition.
Regardless of which way the race is swum, the swimmers shall be seeded in
the same lanes in which they would be seeded if they were both starting and
finishing at the starting end.
SW 3.2 Semi-Finals and Finals
SW 3.2.1 In the semi-finals heats shall be assigned as in SW 3.1.1.2.
SW 3.2.2 Where no preliminary heats are necessary, lanes shall be assigned in
accordance with SW 3.1.2 above. Where preliminary heats or semi-finals have
been held, lanes shall be assigned as in SW 3.1.2 based, however, on times
established in such heats.
SW 3.2.3 In the event that swimmers from the same or different heats have
equal times registered to 1/100 second for either the eighth/tenth place or
sixteenth/twentieth place depending on the use of 8 or 10 lanes, there shall be
a swim-off to determine which swimmer shall advance to the appropriate finals.
Such swim-off shall take place after all involved swimmers have completed their
heats at a time agreed between the event management and the parties involved.
Another swim-off shall take place if equal times are registered again. If required,
a swim off will take place to determine 1st and 2nd reserve if equal times are
recorded.
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SW 3.2.4 Where one or more swimmers scratch from a semi-final or final
reserves will be called in order of classifications in heats or semi-finals. The
event or events must be re-seeded and supplementary sheets must be issued
detailing the changes or substitutions, as prescribed in SW 3.1.2.
SW 3.2.5 For heats, semi-finals and finals, swimmers must report to the First
Call Room no later than 20 minutes prior to the start of their event. After inspec-
tion, swimmers proceed to the final call-room.
SW 3.3 In other competitions, the draw system may be used for assigning lane positions.
SW 4 THE START
SW 4.1 The start in Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley races shall
be with a dive. On the long whistle (SW 2.1.5) from the referee the swimmers shall
step onto the starting platform and remain there. On the starter’s command «take your
marks», they shall immediately take up a starting position with at least one foot at the
front of the starting platforms. The position of the hands is not relevant. When all swim-
mers are stationary, the starter shall give the starting signal.
SW 4.2 The start in Backstroke and Medley Relay races shall be from the water. At the
referee’s first long whistle (SW 2.1.5), the swimmers shall immediately enter the water.
At the Referee’s second long whistle the swimmers shall return without undue delay to
the starting position (SW 6.1). When all swimmers have assumed their starting positions,
the starter shall give the command «take your marks». When all swimmers are stationary,
the starter shall give the starting signal.
SW 4.3 In Olympic Games, World Championships and other FINA events the command
«Take your marks» shall be in English and the start shall be by multiple loudspeakers,
mounted one at each starting platform.
SW 4.4 Any swimmer starting before the starting signal has been given, shall be dis-
qualified. If the starting signal sounds before the disqualification is declared, the race
shall continue and the swimmer or swimmers shall be disqualified upon completion of
the race. If the disqualification is declared before the starting signal, the signal shall not
be given, but the remaining swimmers shall be called back and start again. The Refe-
ree repeats the starting procedure beginning with the long whistle (the second one for
backstroke) as per SW 2.1.5.
SW 5 FREESTYLE
SW 5.1 Freestyle means that in an event so designated the swimmer may swim any
style, except that in individual medley or medley relay events, freestyle means any style
other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly.
SW 5.2 Some part of the swimmer must touch the wall upon completion of each length
and at the finish.
SW 5.3 Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the
race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during
the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn. By
that point, the head must have broken the surface.
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SW 6 BACKSTROKE
SW 6.1 Prior to the starting signal, the swimmers shall line up in the water facing the
starting end, with both hands holding the starting grips. Standing in or on the gutter or
bending the toes over the lip of the gutter is prohibited.
SW 6.2 At the signal for starting and after turning the swimmer shall push off and swim
upon his back throughout the race except when executing a turn as set forth in SW 6.4.
The normal position on the back can include a roll movement of the body up to, but not
including 90 degrees from horizontal. The position of the head is not relevant.
SW 6.3 Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the
race. It is permissible for the swimmer to be completely sub-merged during the turn, and
for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn. By that point the
head must have broken the surface.
SW 6.4 When executing the turn there must be a touch of the wall with some part of
the swimmer’s body in his/her respective lane. During the turn the shoulders may be
turned over the vertical to the breast after which an immediate continuous single arm
pull or immediate continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the
turn. The swimmer must have returned to the position on the back upon leaving the
wall.
SW 6.5 Upon the finish of the race the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back
in his/her respective lane.
SW 7 BREASTSTROKE
SW 7.1 After the start and after each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke com-
pletely back to the legs during which the swimmer may be submerged. A single butterfly
kick is permitted during the first arm stroke followed by a breaststroke kick.
SW 7.2 From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and after each turn, the
body shall be on the breast. It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time except
at the turn after the touch of the wall where it is permissible to turn in any manner as
long as the body is on the breast when leaving the wall. From the start and throughout
the race the stroke cycle must be one arm stroke and one leg kick in that order. All
movements of the arms shall be simultaneous and on the same horizontal plane without
alternating movement.
SW 7.3 The hands shall be pushed forward together from the breast on, under, or over
the water. The elbows shall be under water except for the final stroke before the turn,
during the turn and for the final stroke at the finish. The hands shall be brought back on
or under the surface of the water. The hands shall not be brought back beyond the hip
line, except during the first stroke after the start and each turn.
SW 7.4 During each complete cycle, some part of the swimmer’s head must break the
surface of the water. The head must break the surface of the water before the hands
turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke. All movements of the legs shall be
simultaneous and on the same horizontal plane without alternating movement.
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SW 7.5 The feet must be turned outwards during the propulsive part of the kick. Alter-
nating movements or downward butterfly kicks are not permitted except as in SW 7.1.
Breaking the surface of the water with the feet is allowed unless followed by a downward
butterfly kick.
SW 7.6 At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both
hands separated and simultaneously at, above, or below the water level. At the last
stroke before the turn and at the finish an arm stroke not followed by a leg kick is per-
mitted.The head may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided
it breaks the surface of the water at some point during the last complete or incomplete
cycle preceding the touch.
SW 8 BUTTERFLY
SW 8.1 From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and each turn, the body
shall be kept on the breast. Under water kicking on the side is allowed. It is not permitted
to roll onto the back at any time, except at the turn after the touch of the wall where it
is permissible to turn in any manner as long as the body is on the breast when leaving
the wall.
SW 8.2 Both arms shall be brought forward simultaneously over the water and brought
backward simultaneously under the water through-out the race, subject to SW 8.5.
SW 8.3 All up and down movements of the legs must be simultaneous. The legs or the
feet need not be on the same level, but they shall not alternate in relation to each other.
A breaststroke kicking movement is not permitted.
SW 8.4 At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both
hands separated and simultaneously, at, above or below the water surface.
SW 8.5 At the start and at turns, a swimmer is permitted one or more leg kicks and one
arm pull under the water, which must bring him to the surface. It shall be permissible for
a swimmer to be completely submerged for a distance of not more than 15 metres after
the start and after each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface. The
swimmer must remain on the surface until the next turn or finish.
SW 9 MEDLEY SWIMMING
SW 9.1 In individual medley events, the swimmer covers the four swimming strokes
in the following order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle. Each of the
strokes must cover one quarter (1/4) of the distance.
SW 9.2 In medley relay events, swimmers will cover the four swimming strokes in the
following order: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Freestyle.
SW 9.3 Each section must be finished in accordance with the rule which applies to the
stroke concerned.
SW 10 THE RACE
SW 10.1 All individual races must be held as separate gender events.
12. S W I M M I N G
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SW 10.2 A swimmer swimming over the course alone shall cover the whole distance to
qualify.
SW 10.3 The swimmer must remain and finish the race in the same lane in which he/she
started.
SW 10.4 In all events, a swimmer when turning shall make physical contact with the end
of the pool or course. The turn must be made from the wall, and it is not permitted to
take a stride or step from the bottom of the pool.
SW 10.5 Standing on the bottom during freestyle events or during the freestyle portion of
medley events shall not disqualify a swimmer, but he shall not walk.
SW 10.6 Pulling on the lane rope is not allowed.
SW 10.7 Obstructing another swimmer by swimming across another lane or otherwise
interfering shall disqualify the offender. Should the foul be intentional, the referee shall
report the matter to the Member promoting the race, and to the Member of the swimmer
so offending.
SW 10.8 No swimmer shall be permitted to use or wear any device or swimsuit that may
aid his/her speed, buoyancy or endurance during a competition (such as webbed glo-
ves, flippers, fins, power bands, or adhesive substances, etc.). Goggles may be worn.
Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by FINA Sport Medicine
Committee.
SW 10.9 Any swimmer not entered in a race, who enters the water in which an event is
being conducted before all swimmers therein have completed the race, shall be disqua-
lified from his next scheduled race in the meet.
SW 10.10 There shall be four swimmers on each relay team. Mixed relays may be swum.
Mixed Relays must consist of two (2) Men and two (2) Women. Split times achieved in
these events cannot be used for records and/or entry purposes.
SW 10.11 In relay events, the team of a swimmer whose feet lose touch with the starting
platform before the preceding team-mate touches the wall shall be disqualified.
SW 10.12 Any relay team shall be disqualified from a race if a team member, other than
the swimmer designated to swim that length, enters the water when the race is being
conducted, before all swimmers of all teams have finished the race.
SW 10.13 The members of a relay team and their order of competing must be nominated
before the race. Any relay team member may compete in a race only once. The compo-
sition of a relay team may be changed between the heats and finals of an event, provided
that it is made up from the list of swimmers properly entered by a Member for that event.
Failure to swim in the order listed will result in disqualification. Substitutions may be made
only in the case of a documented medical emergency.
SW 10.14 Any swimmer having finished his race, or his distance in a relay event, must leave
the pool as soon as possible without obstructing any other swimmer who has not yet
finished his race. Otherwise the swimmer committing the fault, or his relay team, shall
be disqualified.
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SW 10.15 Should a foul endanger the chance of success of a swimmer, the referee shall
have the power to allow him to compete in the next heat or, should the foul occur in a
final event or in the last heat, he/she may order it to be re-swum.
SW 10.16 No pace-making shall be permitted, nor may any device be used or plan adop-
ted which has that effect.
SW 11 TIMING
SW 11.1 The operation of Automatic Officiating Equipment shall be under the super-
vision of appointed officials. Times recorded by Automatic Equipment shall be used
to determine the winner, all placing and the time applicable to each lane. The pla-
cing and times so determined shall have precedence over the decisions of timekee-
pers. In the event that a break-down of the Automatic Equipment occurs or that it is
clearly indicated that there has been a failure of the Equipment, or that a swimmer has
failed to activate the Equipment, the recordings of the timekeepers shall be official
(See SW 13.3).
SW 11.2 When Automatic Equipment is used, the results shall be recorded only to
1/100 of a second. When timing to 1/1000 of a second is available, the third digit shall
not be recorded or used to determine time or placement. In the event of equal times, all
swimmers who have recorded the same time at 1/100 of a second shall be accorded
the same placing. Times displayed on the electronic scoreboard should show only to
1/100 of a second.
SW 11.3 Any timing device that is terminated by an official shall be considered a watch.
Such manual times must be taken by three timekeepers appointed or approved by
the Member in the country concerned. All watches shall be certified as accurate to
the satisfaction of the governing body concerned. Manual timing shall be registered to
1/100 of a second. Where no Automatic Equipment is used, official manual times shall
be determined as follows:
SW 11.3.1 If two (2) of the three (3) watches record the same time and the third
disagrees, the two identical times shall be the official time.
SW 11.3.2 If all three (3) watches disagree, the watch recording the intermediate
time shall be the official time.
SW 11.3.3 With only two (2) out of three (3) watches working the average time
shall be the official time.
SW 11.4 Should a swimmer be disqualified during or following an event, such disqualifi-
cation should be recorded in the official results, but no time or place shall be recorded
or announced.
SW 11.5 In the case of a relay disqualification, legal splits up to the time of the disqualifi-
cation shall be recorded in the official results.
SW 11.6 All 50 metre and 100 metre splits shall be recorded for lead-off swimmers during
relays and published in the official results.
14. S W I M M I N G
198
SW 12 WORLD RECORDS
SW 12.1 For World Records in 50 metre courses, the following distances and styles for
both sexes shall be recognised:
Freestyle 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metres
Backstroke 50, 100 and 200 metres
Breaststroke 50, 100 and 200 metres
Butterfly 50, 100 and 200 metres
Individual Medley 200 and 400 metres
Freestyle Relays 4x100 and 4x200 metres
Medley Relay 4x100 metres
Mixed Relays 4x100 metres Freestyle and 4 x 100 metres Medley
SW 12.2 For World Records in 25 metre courses, the following distances and styles for
both sexes shall be recognised:
Freestyle 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metres
Backstroke 50, 100 and 200 metres
Breaststroke 50, 100 and 200 metres
Butterfly 50, 100 and 200 metres
Individual Medley 100, 200 and 400 metres
Freestyle Relays 4x50, 4x100 and 4x200 metres
Medley Relay 4x50 and 4x100 metres
Mixed Relays 4x50 metres Freestyle and 4x50 metres Medley
SW 12.3 Members of relay teams must be of the same nationality.
SW 12.4 All records must be made in scratch competition or an individual race against
time, held in public and announced publicly by advertisement at least three days before
the attempt is to be made. In the event of an individual race against time being sanc-
tioned by a Member, as a time trial during a competition, then an advertisement at least
three (3) days before the attempt is to be made shall not be necessary.
SW 12.5 The length of each lane of the course must be certified by a surveyor or other
qualified official appointed or approved by the Member in the country in which it is
situated.
SW 12.6 Where a moveable bulkhead is used, course measurement of the lane must be
confirmed at the conclusion of the session during which the time was achieved.
SW 12.7 World Records will be accepted only when times are reported by Automatic
Officiating Equipment, or Semi-Automatic Officiating Equipment in the case of Automatic
Officiating Equipment system malfunction.
SW 12.8 World Records can be established only by swimmers wearing FINA approved
swimsuits
SW 12.9 Times which are equal to 1/100 of a second will be recognised as equal records
and swimmers achieving these equal times will be called «Joint Holders». Only the time
of the winner of a race may be submitted for a World Record. In the event of a tie in a
record-setting race, each swimmer who tied shall be considered a winner.
15. S W I M M I N G
199
SW 12.10 World Records can be established only in fresh water. No World Records will be
recognised in any kind of sea or ocean water.
SW 12.11 The first swimmer in a relay, except in mixed relays, may apply for a World
Record. Should the first swimmer in a relay team complete his distance in record time in
accordance with the provisions of this subsection, his performance shall not be nullified
by any subsequent disqualification of his relay team for violations occurring after his
distance has been completed.
SW 12.12 A swimmer in an individual event may apply for a World Record at an interme-
diate distance if he or his coach or manager specifically requests the referee that his
performance be especially timed or if the time at the intermediate distance is recorded by
Automatic Officiating Equipment. Such swimmer must complete the scheduled distance
of the event to apply for a record at the intermediate distance.
SW 12.13 Applications for World Records must be made on the FINA official forms (see
next page) by the responsible authority of the organising or management committee
of the competition and signed by an authorised representative of the Member in the
country of the swimmer, certifying that all regulations have been observed including a
negative doping test certification (DC 5.3.2). The application form shall be forwarded
to the Honorary Secretary of FINA within fourteen (14) days after the performance.
SW 12.14 A claim of a World Record performance shall be provisionally reported by tele-
gram, telex or facsimile to the Honorary Secretary of FINA within seven (7) days of the
performance.
SW 12.15 The Member in the country of the swimmer should report this performance
by letter to the Honorary Secretary of FINA for information and action, if necessary,
to assure that the official application has been properly submitted by the appropriate
authority.
SW 12.16 On receipt of the official application, and upon satisfaction that the information
contained in the application, including a negative doping control test certificate, is accu-
rate, the Honorary Secretary of FINA shall declare the new World Record, see that such
information is published, and see that certificates are provided to those persons whose
applications have been accepted.
SW 12.17 All records made during the Olympic Games, World Championships and World
Cups shall be automatically approved.
SW 12.18 If the procedure of SW 12.13 has not been followed, the Member in the country
of a swimmer can apply for a World Record in default thereof. After due investigation,
the Honorary Secretary of FINA is authorised to accept such record if the claim is found
to be correct.
SW 12.19 If the application for a World Record is accepted by FINA, a diploma, signed by
the President and the Honorary Secretary of FINA shall be forwarded by the Honorary
Secretary to the Member in the country of the swimmer for presentation to the swimmer
in recognition of the performance. A fifth World Record diploma will be issued to all
Members whose relay teams establish a World Record. This diploma is to be retained
by the Member.
16. WORLD RECORD APPLICATION FORM
DEMANDE D'HOMOLOGATION DE RECORD DU MONDE
1. Stroke (freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke or individual medley)
Style (Nage libre, dos, papillon, brasse ou quatre nages). ________________________________________________
2. Length of event / Distance de l'épreuve. _______________________________________________
3. Length of course (circle one) / Longueur du bassin (indiquez-en une). 25 metre 50 metre
4. Name and country of swimmer __________________________________________________________
Nom et nation du nageur.
5. Relay team names in order of competing. 1 _________________________________________________________
Noms des relayeurs dans l’ordre du relais 2 _________________________________________________________
3 _________________________________________________________
4 _________________________________________________________
6. Local time and date of race / Heure et date de l'épreuve _______________________________________________
7. Time / Temps. ________________________________________________
8. Manufacturer of Electronic Equipment.
Fabricant de l'équipement électronique ________________________________________________
9. Name of the competition / Nom de la compétition ________________________________________________
10. City at which the race took place and name of pool ________________________________________________
Ville où l'épreuve a eu lieu et nom de la piscine.
11. Name of the Federation approving this application. ________________________________________________
Nom de la fédération qui approuve cette demande.
12. Was the course measured by a qualified person in accordance with SW 12.5 and SW 12.6 (Print name)
Le bassin a-t-il été mesuré par une personne qualifiée en accord avec les règles FINA SW 12.5 et SW 12.6 (Nom)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Was the water still? / L'eau du bassin était-elle calme? ________________________________________________
14. Was the race in an indoor or outdoor pool?
L'épreuve a-t-elle eu lieu dans une piscine couverte ou en plein air? ________________________________________
15 Please indicate the following relating to the swimsuit worn by the swimmer(s):
Veuillez indiquer l’information suivante pour le maillot de bain (s) porté par le nageur(s)/nageuse(s)
Manufacturer / Fabricant ________________________________________________________________________
Model / Modèle ________________________________________________________________
FINA reference Number / Numéro de référence de la FINA______________________________________________
16. Has the swimmer submitted to Doping Control within twenty-four hours after the race?______________________
Le nageur/nageuse a-t-il subi un contrôle de dopage dans les vingt-quatre heures suivant la course?
Where did the doping control take place? ___________________________________________________
Où le contrôle de dopage a eu lieu ?
Who supervised the Doping Control? (Print name) ___________________________________________________
Qui a conduit le contrôle de dopage? (Ecrire le nom)
17. In my opinion all FINA Rules have been met / A mon avis, toutes les règles de la FINA ont été respectées.
Name of referee:______________________________ ________________________________________
Nom de l'arbitre: Signature of referee (Signature de l'arbitre)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE:
- World Record can be established only in fresh water (SW 12.10) / Le Record du Monde peut être établi dans l'eau douce
uniquement en accord avec la Règle FINA SW 12.10
- All applications must be sent to the FINA Honorary Secretary in accordance with FINA Rule SW 12. / Les demandes
d'homologation doivent être adressées au Secrétaire Général de la FINA en accord avec la Règle FINA SW 12.
- In order to have this application approved, a negative doping test certification must be attached (SW 12.13 and DC 5.3.2.) /
Afin de pouvoir approuver cette demande, un certificat de contrôle de dopage négatif doit y être joint (SW 12.13 et DC 5.3.2).
Enforced from September 2013
17. S W I M M I N G
201
SW 13 AUTOMATIC OFFICIATING PROCEDURE
SW 13.1 When Automatic Officiating Equipment (See FR 4) is used in any competition,
the placing and times so determined and relay take-offs judged by such Equipment shall
have precedence over the timekeepers.
SW 13.2 When the Automatic Equipment fails to record the place and/or time of one or
more swimmers in a given race:
SW 13.2.1 Record all available Automatic Equipment times and places,
SW 13.2.2 Record all human times and places.
SW 13.2.3 The official place will be determined as follows:
SW 13.2.3.1 A swimmer with an Automatic Equipment time and place
must retain his relative order when compared with the other swim-
mers having an Automatic Equipment time and place within that
race.
SW 13.2.3.2 A swimmer not having an Automatic Equipment place but
having an Automatic Equipment time will establish his relative order by
comparing his Automatic Equipment time with the Automatic Equip-
ment times of the other swimmers.
SW 13.2.3.3 A swimmer having neither an Automatic Equipment place
nor an Automatic Equipment time shall establish his relative order
by the time recorded by the Semi-Automatic Equipment or by three
digital watches.
SW 13.3 The official time will be determined as follows:
SW 13.3.1 The official time for all swimmers having an Automatic Equipment time
will be that time.
SW 13.3.2 The official time for all swimmers not having an Automatic Equipment
time will be the three digital watches or the Semi-Automatic Equipment time.
SW 13.4 To determine the relative order of finish for the combined heats of an event,
proceed as follows:
SW 13.4.1 The relative order of all swimmers will be established by comparing
their official times.
SW 13.4.2 If a swimmer has an official time which is tied with the official time(s)
of one or more swimmers, all swimmers having that time shall be tied in their
relative order of finish in that event.
AGE GROUP RULES - SWIMMING
SWAG 1 Federations may adopt their own Age Group rules, using FINA technical rules.
